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Dog breeders were battled it out over four days of competition for the top prize as 9,000 people crammed into the NEC Arena to watch judge Jill Peak crown the winner.

The winner of each category emerged into the arena to applause from the crowd, who were eagerly anticipating the result.

Security guards were quick to tackle this protester to the ground (Image: REUTERS)

They all had their individual moment in the spotlight as their happy owners led them around on the lead.

Judge Jill Peak got her hands on each dog for a thorough examination before watching them run round the arena.

She was then forced to make a tough decision and revealed who would get the Best in Show ribbon.

A spokesperson from Crufts, said: “It appears that protestors from PETA gained unauthorised access to the ring in the main arena at Crufts, and in doing so scared the dogs and put the safety of both dogs and people at risk in a hugely irresponsible way.

"Our main priority at the moment is the wellbeing of the dogs that were in the ring, who are being looked after by their owners and show officials.

"The NEC Group have extensive security procedures in place at Crufts and we, along with the NEC Group, will be reviewing what happened as a matter of urgency.”